Question

The phenomenon known as the Hawthorne effect is a. The tendency for people to base their evaluations of equity on other members of their group; b. The tendency for people to behave differently when they know they are being studied; c. The tendency for people to perform poorly when distracted by too much attention; d. The tendency for people to respond to threats with a reduction in productivity;

Answer 1

The phenomenon known as the Hawthorne effect is a b. The tendency for people to behave differently when they know they are being studied.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Hawthorne effect, identified during studies at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in the 1920s and 1930s, refers to individuals altering their behavior or performance when they are aware of being observed or studied. This phenomenon indicates that subjects modify their conduct, not necessarily due to the experimental conditions or changes introduced, but because they know they are being monitored.

This can lead to an artificial improvement in performance or behavior that might not accurately represent their typical actions. The effect isn't limited to positive changes; it can also involve negative alterations in behavior or productivity depending on the awareness of being observed.

Studies conducted by Elton Mayo and his colleagues at the Hawthorne Works found that productivity increased not solely due to changes in working conditions but because workers knew they were part of an experiment.

This awareness influenced their behavior, resulting in enhanced performance. Consequently, this effect has implications across various fields such as psychology, sociology, and business management, emphasizing the impact of awareness and attention on human behavior.

Therefore, option B is the right answer,